TCC announces event lineup for Black History Month celebration

Tallahassee Community College's celebration of Black History Month began last week with the ninth annual unveiling of what is now known as the Cherry Alexander African-American History Month Calendar. The official celebration, however, runs throughout the month of February and the College will offer a number of opportunities to celebrate the accomplishments of African-Americans who have made significant contributions worldwide.

On Thursday, February 5, the College will welcome guests to the Student Union Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a Health Fair. Vendors representing various entities in the community will be on campus providing information that will ensure a healthier tomorrow. Blood pressure, sickle cell and wellness screenings will be available to all in attendance.

Confirmed vendors for Thursday's Health Fair include: Sickle Cell Foundation, American Red Cross, MADD of Florida, National Hookup of Black Women, Bond Community Health Center, Big Bend Cares, Southeastern Community Blood Center, Big Bend Hospice, Lupus Support Network, TCC's Outdoor Recreation Club, DISC Village, TCC's Nursing Program, BACCHUS, TMH Cancer Center, The Hour Glass, Florida A&M School of Pharmacy, Florida State University's Thagard Health Center and Anytime Fitness.

On Thursday, February 12, participants will be treated to a political forum, hosted by TCC's Black Student Union. State Representative Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, who also serves as a faculty member at TCC, is tentatively scheduled to lead the event, which will take place in the Student Union Ballroom from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Youth from Leon and the surrounding counties will convene at TCC's Turner Auditorium for Youth Day on Tuesday, February 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those in attendance will hear from Laymon Hicks and Andrew Collins, Student Government Association Presidents at FSU and FAMU, respectively. Both Hicks and Collins were included as youth honorees in TCC's 2009 African-American History Month Calendar. The TCC Dance Company is also scheduled to perform.

The final scheduled event for the month is the popular Gospel Extravaganza and Soul Food Festival, slated for February 26 in the Student Union Ballroom. The event, a showcase of local gospel choirs and entertainers, begins with a 6 p.m. reception followed by entertainment at 7 p.m.

Brian Henderson and Greg Turner, another pair of 2009 calendar honorees, will emcee the event. Groups scheduled to attend include: Shady Grove Primitive Baptist Church, Pilgrim Rest Primitive Baptist Church Mass Choir, Miles Gospel Singers, The Bethel AME Church Liturgical Dance Company and Amber Hall.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information on TCC's celebration of Black History Month, contact Cherry Alexander by phone, (850) 201-8396, or email alexandc@tcc.fl.edu.